Inquiry and Research employment register

About us

The Productivity Commission is the Australian Government's independent research and advisory body on a range of economic, social and environmental issues affecting the welfare of Australians.

The core function of the Commission is to conduct public inquiries at the request of the Australian Government on key policy or regulatory issues bearing on Australia's economic performance and community wellbeing. In addition, the Commission undertakes a variety of research at the request of the Government and to support its annual reporting, performance monitoring and other responsibilities.

Our Inquiry and research teams undertake research and public policy analysis on wide-ranging issues that vary from year to year. Topics include Employment & education, Indigenous policy, Industry & trade, Natural resources, Productivity analysis, Social & community.

The opportunities

We are seeking expressions of interest from talented individuals to join our various Inquiry and research teams.. Some of the key roles include Research Economists, Public Policy Analysts, Inquiry and/or Research Managers at various classifications. These roles undertake wide-ranging economic and public policy analysis and advice, working on major public inquiries and/or research projects.

We encourage you to register if you have a keen interest in public policy with qualifications, skills, and experience in any of the following areas:

• Economics
• Policy analysis and advice
• Law
• Modelling and data analysis
• Report writing
• Qualitative and quantitative research
• Regulation
• Social sciences

This register will help us to quickly fill future vacancies that may arise at the APS Level 3 – Executive Level 2 classifications. Positions that become available may be based in either our Melbourne or Canberra offices.

Depending on the business needs and requirements of the Commission, these positions may be offered as either ongoing* or non-ongoing opportunities, which may be on a full-time, part-time or casual basis.

* Ongoing movements at level may be available to existing ongoing Australian Public Service employees under section 26 of the Public Service Act 1999. Further details on eligibility requirements are outlined in the application form.

Be yourself at the Commission

We welcome and celebrate diversity, and value the unique backgrounds, perspectives and experience that each person brings to our workplace. Parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all cultures and faith are encouraged to apply.

What we offer

We have a supportive, respectful and engaging work environment underpinned by:

• a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and supporting staff wellbeing
• a flexible work environment that supports employees to balance work commitments with family, caring and other personal commitments
• a culture of conversation and real-time feedback, to support a team and individual performance
• a range of learning and development opportunities tailored to individuals’ needs at different points in their careers

The Commission offers a competitive salary plus generous superannuation and leave provisions.

We also offer reasonable adjustments for applicants on request, and ensure all staff receive the support and tools they need to thrive at work.

Ready to apply or keen to find out more?

If you’d like to find out more about working at the Commission, we would love to hear from you!